Report Benefit Fraud

Benefit fraud in Colorado is when someone deliberately lies or hides information to get public benefits they are not eligible for.

These benefits are designed to support people in need, and fraud diverts resources away from those who depend on them. Reporting benefit fraud helps ensure the integrity of our system and protects support for our community.

How to report benefit fraud

Reporting is private and easy.

Information needed when reporting fraud

  • The name of the individual or organization
  • The address of the individual or organization
  • The individuals living in the household
  • The date of the alleged misconduct
  • A detailed description explaining why you suspect fraud

Common types of benefit fraud

  • Lying on your application: Giving false information or leaving out important details to qualify for benefits you shouldn't get.
  • Hiding or underreporting income: Not reporting all the money you earn from a job, side work, or cash payments, so you appear to have a lower income than you do.
  • Not reporting all household members: Leaving someone out of your household information to hide income which can lead to higher benefits.
  • Hiding assets: Failing to report all your money in bank accounts or property you own.
  • Trafficking benefits: Selling your EBT card or trading your benefits for cash or other unapproved items.
  • Electronic theft: Using stolen card information, often obtained through skimming devices, to access someone else's benefits.
  • Applying in multiple states: Getting benefits in Colorado while also receiving them in another state.
  • Living out of state: Getting benefits in Colorado while living in another state.

What happens after fraud is reported?

Every report is carefully reviewed by our investigators to help stop fraud and protect these important services.

When you report fraud, you’re helping make sure these resources stay available for the people who truly need them.

How to report EBT Benefit Theft

There are simple steps EBT users can take to protect against EBT fraud and theft. Those steps include changing your PIN often, avoiding simple PINs, keeping your PIN and card number secret, and reporting suspicious activity.

If you suspect you are a victim of fraud or electronic benefit theft: 

  1. Immediately freeze your card to stop new purchases by logging into the ebtEDGE mobile app or Cardholder Portal.
  2. Change your PIN
  3. Review transaction information
  4. Contact Weld County DHS to report theft or fraud
  5. Contact local law enforcement to file an incident report as stolen benefits would be considered theft. Buying, selling, or otherwise misusing SNAP benefits is a federal crime.

Per Federal and State rules, lost or stolen SNAP benefits cannot be replaced when the card and PIN are used, regardless of the circumstances.

State EBT Customer Service

Phone: (888) 328-2656
TTY: (800) 659-2656

Services available:

  • Change your PIN 
  • Order a new EBT card, or
  • Request transaction information

Visit Weld County Department of Human Services In-Person

Address: 315 N 11th Ave, Building C, Greeley, CO 80631

Services available:

  • Get a replacement EBT card
  • Request transaction information
  • Report Theft

WCDHS cannot change PIN numbers, provide transaction information, or take theft reports over the phone.

Colorado Statutes

Report Benefit Fraud

Submit a Benefit Fraud Report

Contact

Phone: (970) 400-6014

Addresses

Mailing Address:
WCDHS Fraud Unit
P.O. Box A
Greeley, CO 80632

Office Location:
315 N. 11th Ave.
Building C
Greeley, CO 80631

Office Hours

Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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